Flu Season in high gear

Flu season in Ohio is in full swing.
“The epidemiologist from Hamilton County that we contract through said that the infection rate is high right now,” said Kathy Wright, Public Health Nurse with the Brown County Health Department.
Wright said that 14 flu cases have been reported to the health department from area hospitals, and she feels that more are coming.
Eight others have been reported from doctor’s offices, but Wright said that those reports are voluntary and are probably low.
“We are in the middle of the flu season right now. It could get worse if people don’t stay home when they ‘re sick. That’s the common sense things. Wash your hands often and when you are sick, stay home.”
Wright also said that people should still get a flu shot.
“There’s still time, we have plenty,” she said.
“We are open on Tuesday’s for walk-in’s from eight to noon and one to four. We are also open any other day by appointment.”
To make an appointment with the Brown County Health Department, call (937) 378-6892.
“We do bill Medicare and Medicaid. If they do have to pay, the cost is $25,” Wright said.
She added that even though there are reports that the strain of flu that’s going around isn’t an exact match to the vaccine, it’s still a good idea to get a flu shot.
“Even though the strain of flu that’s in the flu shots isn’t the one that they might get, it should lessen your symptoms,” Wright said.
The Ohio Department of Health has also issued information and guidelines regarding older adults about the current flu season. That statement is on page 5.
“In response to news that flu activity in Ohio is now widespread, the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Aging urge older Ohioans and their families to be aware of seniors’ elevated risk of complications from flu and take steps to prevent its spread.
“For many reasons, older adults are more likely than younger adults to experience the flu and its complications,” said Dr. Clint Koenig, Medical Director of the Ohio Department of Health. “The flu can make existing health problems worse and can be particularly dangerous for the 80 percent of older Ohioans who have at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.”
“Flu prevention is not just a personal health issue, it is a public health priority,” said Beverley Laubert, Interim Director of the Department of Aging.
“Older adults and those who spend time with them can do a lot to stave off flu and flu-related complications so that they can continue to grow, thrive and contribute.”
Flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, can lead to death. Flu viruses are spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing or through surfaces.
Symptoms of the flu may come on quickly and may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Tips to minimize your risk of getting and spreading the flu:
• Get a flu shot. Even though we are already well into the flu season, there is still plenty of time to benefit from a flu shot. Ask about special high-dose vaccines specifically for older adults. There is plenty of vaccine available across the state.
• Maintain good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, manage stress and be as physically active as is appropriate for you. Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritional foods.
• Wash your hands. Scrubbing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds can kill most of the flu viruses your hands encounter. When you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
• Limit your contact. Avoid contact with people who may be ill with the flu, as well as surfaces they may have touched. Likewise, if you feel you may have the flu, limit the time you spend with others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine. Call ahead to places like doctor’s offices, nursing homes and senior centers to see if they have special visitation restrictions for those who have flu-like symptoms.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow then wash any affected skin immediately.
If you get the flu, proper care can lessen symptoms and decrease the time you are ill and able to infect others. Stay at home and get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost through fever and sweating. Talk to your medical provider about medicines you can take to manage your symptoms and how they may interact with other medicines you take.
Visit www.flu.ohio.gov for information and resources to help you fight the flu.